Safeguarding

PARISH OF PENRITH - SAFEGUARDING

 

The welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is an absolute priority for the Parish of Penrith.  We are committed to protect and care for everyone in the church community, but especially children and adults at risk.

 

We are committed to:
 

  • The care of, the nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with all children and adults.
  • The safeguarding and protection of all children and adults.
  • The establishing of a safe, caring community which provides a loving environment where victims of abuse can report or disclose abuse and where they can find support and best practice that contributes to the prevention of abuse.

 

To this end we will:

  • Carefully select, support and train all those with any responsibility within the church, in line with the Church of England’s Practice Guidance for Safer Recruitment. 
  • Respond without delay to every complaint made that a child or adult may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation. 
  • Seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry that recognises the importance of understanding the needs of those who have
    been abused, including their feelings of alienation and/or isolation. 
  • Seek to protect survivors of abuse from the possibility of further harm and abuse. 
  • Seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of respect and responsibility, where they are trusted by others. 
  • Seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision, and referral to the appropriate authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child or adult.

 

In all of the above:

  • We will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice. 
  • We will monitor and regularly review our safeguarding procedures. 

As a church, we have adopted the Church of England's safeguarding policy 'Promoting a Safer Church':  See  https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-11/cofe-policy-statement.pdf


If you are concerned that someone you know about may be suffering harm please contact our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Margaret Irving tel: 07900 464941, safeguarding.parishofpenrith@gmail.com or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, Joanna Van Lachertop, on e-mail: safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk or tel: 07458 016884. 

If neither of the above are available  and your concerns relate to a child  please contact Westmorland and Furness Social Services on 0300 373 2724 (inc. out of hours)

If your concerns relate to an adult then please contact  Westmorland and Furness Social Services on 0300 373 3301 (office hours)

If out of hours you can contact  Emergency Duty Team: 01228 526690

If a child or adult is at immediate risk please call the police on  999

If you have any questions relating to these issues or policies please contact a Safeguarding Officer on the contact numbers above.

Recording Concerns

Parish of Penrith - Safeguarding Policy - 2024

'Promoting a Safer Church' official Church of England document